The US Ambassador has met with Prime Minister Hun Manet to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interests in a move that is believed to strengthen ties between the two nations.

A delegation led by US Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy met with the Cambodian premier on September 27 at the Peace Palace to engage in “productive” discussions, according to the US Embassy Phnom Penh's Facebook page.

The discussion covered US support for conventional weapon destruction activities, including the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Cambodia, and close cooperation on the POW/MIA mission to account for American personnel in Cambodia.

“During the meeting, Ambassador Murphy highlighted the longstanding US commitment to supporting the Cambodian people, as reflected by the $3 billion in foreign assistance provided over the past 30 years, contributing to the country’s development,” the statement said.

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"While he noted the decision to resume several US foreign aid programs is part of broader assistance critical to the health of the Cambodian people and the Kingdom’s sustainable development, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of human rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms as integral to our bilateral relationship.”

The importance of the Prime Minister's forthright public stance on combating this global crime was noted by Ambassador Murphy, who urged Cambodia's leadership to pursue greater action to counter human trafficking and cyber scam operations and to maintain an independent and balanced foreign policy in the best interests of the Cambodian people.

Sok Vy, a research fellow at the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace (CICP), expressed to Kiripost that the delegation meeting reflects a positive sign of bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and the US after relations heated up during the recent national elections.

However, he noted that Cambodia's leadership is committed to maintaining an independent and balanced foreign policy, which means creating equality and collective efforts among the United States and China.

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"When Hun Manet meets with a Chinese leader or senior Chinese official, he always emphasizes Cambodia's sovereignty in a way that is consistent with what the United States wants from Cambodia,” he said.

Vy concluded that the meeting of the US ambassador intends to restore the two countries' relationship by seeking mutual interest in cooperation.